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Dachshund Varieties – How many Dachshund Varieties are there?

Dachshund Varieties

In this article we are going to look at the the main varieties of Dachshund’s. Depending on who you speak to their can be as little as three all the way up to dozens of Dachshund varieties.

So how many varieties of Dachshund are there?

There are three main varieties of Dachshund: the short-haired, the wired-haired, and the long-haired however because of cross-breeding there are dozens of different Dachshund varieties. But they fall into just a few broad categories. The AKC recognises three coat varieties and two sizes.

What are the different Dachshund Sizes?

The larger of the dachshund breed is known as a Standard Dachshund. Standard-size Dachshunds (the type most often seen in ads or commercials) are about 9 inches high at the withers (the top point of the shoulder blades). These are the classic ‘weiner dog’ with long bodies, short legs and stout chests. Weight runs anywhere from 10-30 lbs. Anything larger is either a mixed breed or an obese dog. This size dachshund was mainly breed for hunting badgers and foxes as a strong heavier build of dog was required.

How big are Miniature Dachshund’s?

Though very loyal to their owners, Miniature Dachshunds can take time to warm up to other people. Miniature Dachshunds are becoming even more common in an already popular breed. They may be as light as about 8 lbs but are typically around 10 lbs. They are correspondingly shorter than the Standard, about 5 inches high at the withers.

Dachshund Coat

The Smooth-Coat is the original type and the most common in movies. They’re often reddish-brown, but darker colors like chocolate exist in large numbers. Less common are Smooth-Coats that are dappled (spotted) or brindled (striped). That type shows up more often as a Wire-Haired or Long-Haired variety.

Wire-Haired dogs almost resemble a cross between the stereotypical Doxie and a Schnauzer or terrier. They have long muzzle hair and furry chests. The colouring is also more terrier-like, often a blue-gray mixed with tan.

The Long-Haired is especially beautiful, sporting a long, silky coat, similar to a Cocker Spaniel. Colours can vary but reddish and black, sometimes mixed with a little white, is fairly standard. That long hair is also found on the back of the rear legs and the tail, somewhat like Goldens. This is a long backed, short legged dog of diminutive height.

An offshoot is the Piebald, a white pattern superimposed on a background colour, such as red or brown.

Apart from colour, the different types shed at different rates.

Not surprisingly, Smooth-Coats shed less (but less does not mean ‘not at all’). They also have a particular odor that is not found in other breeds. Without regular bathing that odour can become pronounced and some owners find it annoying.

Long-Hairs, as one might expect, shed the most and require the most grooming attention to keep out mats.

Wire-Coats are in between the two extremes, but they do require regular care. Their long muzzle hair can be a particular problem, made more difficult than usual by the dog’s short legs.

Those Dachshund Eyes

Light-colored dachshunds can sport amber, light brown, or green eyes; however, kennel club standards state that the darker the eye color, the better. While darker eye colour dominates, those with modified coats can have amber or green eyes. Double Dapple types (a special genetic variation) often have very light blue eyes. Birth defects are more common in this type, though, and some are born blind or without fully developed eyes.

I hope you enjoyed this article about the different dachshund varieties. Comment or questions? Leave them below.